Messier 61 Spiral galaxy [Robotic, GMO_5, Colorado]

This is some test data from the new system 5 scope at Grand Mesa Observatory, Colorado.

 

Messier 61 is a barred spiral galaxy. It has undergone some gravitational disturbance probably from encounters with nearby galaxies. As a result, there is significant star formation in the galaxy with some of the more massive stars burning through their hydrogen fuel quite quickly and ending their existence as Type 2 core collapse supernovae. Several have been observed in recent years - more than usual for this type of galaxy.

 

Can just make out dust lanes in the barred segment.

 

I've processed the master subs in RGB with each comprising just 4 x RGB exposures of 300s.

 

The system is:

 

Scope:

William Optics 12.5" Ritchey-Chrétien w/ 0.8x Reducer

Aperture: 317.5mm

Focal Length: 2032mm

Focal Ratio: f/6.4

 

Camera:

QHY600M 16-Bit Mono CMOS

Filters: LRGB, Ha, Oiii, Sii (by Chroma)

Pixel Size: 3.76 x 3.76

Done